By Bukola Osesusi
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has advised the management of Hillside University to adopt a moderate tuition policy that will not discourage prospective students from seeking admission into the institution.
Professor Ogunwole gave the advice on Wednesday while receiving the management team of Hillside University during a courtesy visit to his office at FUOYE.
According to him, excessively high tuition fees could deter qualified candidates from applying for admission, particularly in view of the prevailing economic challenges facing many Nigerian families.
“When school fees are too expensive, many prospective students may be discouraged from applying because the current economic situation is already difficult for the average Nigerian,” he said.
The FUOYE Vice-Chancellor further suggested that the university should consider introducing affordable tuition fees in its early years of operation to attract students and establish itself before making any upward review.
“You can begin with a relatively affordable fee structure that students can conveniently pay. As the institution grows and gains wider acceptance, adjustments can be considered where necessary,” he added.
Professor Ogunwole also expressed FUOYE’s readiness to collaborate with Hillside University in areas of research, academic development, and institutional partnerships.
Commending the Vice-Chancellor of Hillside University, Professor Iheanyi Okoro, for his leadership, Ogunwole described him as a visionary administrator capable of driving the institution towards excellence.
“Hillside University is fortunate to have a purposeful and visionary leader like Professor Okoro,” he stated.
The FUOYE Vice-Chancellor further appealed to the Governing Council of Hillside University to grant the management adequate operational freedom to enable the institution achieve its objectives and attain sustainable growth.
In his vote of thanks, Professor Babatunde Adebesin expressed appreciation to the FUOYE management for the warm reception accorded them and for the university’s willingness to partner with Hillside University.
He noted that the proposed areas of collaboration, including research partnerships, academic grant support, and TETFund-related opportunities, would contribute significantly to the growth and development of the institution.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Hillside University of science and Technology, Professor Iheanyi Okoro, described the visit as a strategic effort to draw lessons from the success story of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
Okoro said the institution, which is still in its formative years, considered FUOYE a model of rapid growth and institutional development, making it an ideal partner for knowledge exchange and future collaborations.
According to him, the delegation came to seek practical insights into university administration, academic development, and research advancement, while also exploring areas of mutual cooperation.
“We are delighted by the hospitality extended to us by the FUOYE management. As a growing university, we are eager to learn from institutions that have recorded remarkable progress within a relatively short period. We look forward to benefiting from your experience and establishing productive partnerships that will enhance our growth,” he said.
The Hillside University Vice-Chancellor noted that FUOYE’s transformation from a newly established institution into one of the country’s largest universities serves as an inspiration to emerging higher institutions across Nigeria.
He added that the university’s leadership remains committed to building a strong academic culture and believes that learning from successful institutions would accelerate its development goals.
Mr. Olaniran Olatona, who is a member of the Institution’s Governing Council applauded FUOYE’s successive administrations for laying a solid foundation that has sustained the university’s impressive expansion over the years.
Reflecting on the institution’s early days, Olatona said FUOYE’s current status as a leading university in Nigeria underscores the dedication and vision of its leaders.
He further commended the discipline and comportment of students on campus, noting that their conduct reflected the quality of leadership and values being promoted by the university.
“The attitude of the students we encountered today speaks volumes about the institution. Their level of respect and orderliness is commendable and suggests that they are being properly guided. FUOYE has every reason to be proud of what it has achieved,” he stated.
In his vote of thanks, the DeputyVice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Babatunde Adebesin expressed appreciation to the FUOYE management for the warm reception accorded the delegation and for the university’s willingness to partner with Hillside University.
He noted that the proposed areas of collaboration, including research partnerships, academic grant support, and TETFund-related opportunities, would contribute significantly to the growth and development of the institution.
The event was attended by key officials of FUOYE, among them the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Joshua Babatunde Omotosho; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages), Professor Afolabi Babatunde; the Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim; the University Librarian, Dr. Olajide Olabode; and the Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Koyejo Oyeyimika. Also present was the Registrar of Hillside University, Dr. Mercy Lyon.
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
